Chinahttp://nhpr.org
en5.11.15: Renting Foreigners To Sell Real Estate, America's Evolving Accent, & The Politics Of I.U.Dshttp://nhpr.org/post/51115-renting-foreigners-sell-real-estate-americas-evolving-accent-politics-iuds
<p>With thousands of empty luxury apartments in china’s new cities, desperate measures are being taken to lure buyers. On today’s show we’ll explore the booming business of renting foreigners as props to give these ghostly city centers an air of international glamor. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">Also today, America’s population will certainly look different in 2050, but what will it sound like? A linguist suggests that to find out, you should listen to young women.</span></p><p>Mon, 11 May 2015 18:00:40 +0000Word of Mouth68871 at http://nhpr.org5.11.15: Renting Foreigners To Sell Real Estate, America's Evolving Accent, & The Politics Of I.U.Ds2.4.15: The Myth Of A Scandinavian Utopia, Ikea Hacking, & Good Gighttp://nhpr.org/post/2415-myth-scandinavian-utopia-ikea-hacking-good-gig
<p><span style="line-height: 1.5;">The media often portrays Sweden as a modernist utopia – where blond-haired trend makers export upbeat pop music, hip furniture and meat balls, and parents enjoy unparalleled family leave. On today’s show: debunking the myth of the Scandinavian utopia.</span></p><p>And we uncover a growing trend among the DIY set: Ikea hacking, where people use Ikea’s raw materials to create their <em>own</em> customized furniture.</p><p>And our series Good Gig continues with a meteorologist based on the beautiful, but often inhospitable, summit of Mount Washington.</p><p></p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Listen to the full show and click&nbsp;</span><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Read more</strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;for individual segments.</span></p><p>Wed, 04 Feb 2015 19:48:26 +0000Word of Mouth63144 at http://nhpr.org2.4.15: The Myth Of A Scandinavian Utopia, Ikea Hacking, & Good Gig10.2.14: Embracing Invasive Species & The Rise Of Refrigeration In Chinahttp://nhpr.org/post/10214-embracing-invasive-species-rise-refrigeration-china
<p>Invasive species like zebra mussels to Asian carp, are destroying biodiversity across North America. Or are they? On today’s show: the upside of invasive species.</p><p>Then, a look into China’s push to build a frozen food infrastructure. The number of urban Chinese households with a refrigerator has risen from just 7% to 95% in a decade. We’ll find out what that means for global climate change.</p><p>Listen to the full show and&nbsp;<strong>Read more</strong>&nbsp;for individual segments.</p><p>Thu, 02 Oct 2014 16:52:15 +0000Word of Mouth56270 at http://nhpr.org10.2.14: Embracing Invasive Species & The Rise Of Refrigeration In China8.25.14: The Climate Saving Power Of Whale Poo & China's Internet Superpowerhttp://nhpr.org/post/82514-climate-saving-power-whale-poo-chinas-internet-superpower
<p style="margin-bottom: 15px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;</p>Mon, 25 Aug 2014 16:42:36 +0000Word of Mouth54336 at http://nhpr.org8.25.14: The Climate Saving Power Of Whale Poo & China's Internet Superpower8.06.14: Why Invasive Species Aren't All Bad, Refrigeration In China, And Dining Hall Hackshttp://nhpr.org/post/80614-why-invasive-species-arent-all-bad-refrigeration-china-and-dining-hall-hacks
<p>Today on Word of Mouth, invasive species like Zebra Mussels to Asian Carp, are destroying biodiversity across North America. Or are they? Also, we'll look into China’s push to build a frozen food infrastructure. The number of urban Chinese households with a refrigerator has risen from just 7 percent to 95 percent in a decade. We’ll find out what that means for global climate change.</p><p>Listen to the full show and&nbsp;<strong>Read more</strong>&nbsp;for individual segments.</p><p>Wed, 06 Aug 2014 18:09:21 +0000Word of Mouth53239 at http://nhpr.org8.06.14: Why Invasive Species Aren't All Bad, Refrigeration In China, And Dining Hall Hacks7.28.14:The Fuel Walk, The Power Of Whale Poo, And The Biggest Company You've Never Heard Ofhttp://nhpr.org/post/72814the-fuel-walk-power-whale-poo-and-biggest-company-youve-never-heard
<p>The oil boom is on in McKenzie county, North Dakota. More than 4000 wells have been drilled since 2008, and the county expects to be pumping for <em>decades</em>. Today, a UNH professor explains why he set out to learn more about North Dakota’s oil country, by walking 65 miles across it. Then, about 70 percent of the earth’s oxygen comes from marine plants. We slip beneath the surface to find out how a rebounding whale population could help spur phytoplankton growth…and slow climate change. Plus, we take a look at the China-based e-commerce behemoth Alibaba, the most powerful company you’ve never heard about.</p><p><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">Listen to the full show and&nbsp;</span><strong style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 15px; vertical-align: baseline; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; line-height: 22px;">Read more</strong><span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 22px;">&nbsp;for individual segments.</span></p><p>Mon, 28 Jul 2014 18:04:05 +0000Word of Mouth52691 at http://nhpr.org7.28.14:The Fuel Walk, The Power Of Whale Poo, And The Biggest Company You've Never Heard OfAmerican Politics And The Asian Pacific http://nhpr.org/post/american-politics-and-asian-pacific
<p>The administration wants&nbsp; to “pivot east” - to move away from Europe and the Middle East and more towards Japan, South Korea, and especially China - given its economic and military power.</p><p><strong><u>GUESTS:</u></strong></p><ul><li><strong>Kathleen Molony </strong>– director and executive committee member of the Fellows Program at Harvard University's Weatherhead Center for International Affairs. She was formerly the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade.</li></ul>Thu, 14 Nov 2013 14:00:00 +0000Laura Knoy38463 at http://nhpr.orgAmerican Politics And The Asian Pacific Why Your Mother Will Love 'Bubbe's Law'http://nhpr.org/post/why-your-mother-will-love-bubbes-law
<p>On July 1<sup>st</sup>, the Chinese government enacted a new law called the <a href="http://On July 1st, the Chinese government enacted a new law called the “Protection of the Rights and Interests of Elderly People”. It is, in effect, a state-sponsored guilt trip for the adult children of older parents…stipulating the need for frequent visits, phone calls, etc.">&ldquo;Protection of the Rights and Interests of Elderly People&rdquo;</a>.&nbsp; It is, in effect, a state-sponsored guilt trip for the adult children of older parents&hellip;stipulating the need for frequent visits, phone calls, etc.</p><p>Retired teacher and computer consultant Barry Davis read about the new law in the <em>New York Times...</em>&nbsp;then <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/opinion/visit-mom-its-the-law.html">wrote an op-ed </a>suggesting America follow suit with its own &ldquo;Bubbe&rsquo;s Law&rdquo;, as he calls it.&nbsp; We tracked Barry down at his home in Connecticut for more.</p><p>Tue, 01 Oct 2013 13:53:08 +0000Virginia Prescott31100 at http://nhpr.orgWhy Your Mother Will Love 'Bubbe's Law'The Battlefront Against Cyber Attackers Is An Adorable Miniature City http://nhpr.org/post/battlefront-against-cyber-attackers-adorable-miniature-city
<p>On Monday, the <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/confidential-report-lists-us-weapons-system-designs-compromised-by-chinese-cyberspies/2013/05/27/a42c3e1c-c2dd-11e2-8c3b-0b5e9247e8ca_story.html">Washington Post reported</a> that Chinese hackers had gained access to the designs of more than two dozen US weapons systems, including combat ships, aircraft, and missile defense systems. Although China denied the claims in the Defense Department report cited by the post, that country’s government announced earlier today that they have plans to conduct China’s first “digital military” exercise next week. President Obama and the Pentagon have increasingly addressed concerns about government-backed Chinese hackers in recent months, and next week, the president is scheduled to discuss cyber security with China’s president.</p><p>Wed, 29 May 2013 14:14:41 +0000Virginia Prescott28404 at http://nhpr.orgThe Battlefront Against Cyber Attackers Is An Adorable Miniature City Tasting China's Most Expensive Teashttp://nhpr.org/post/tasting-chinas-most-expensive-teas
<p>In China, early April is prime time for tea picking.</p><p>In New Hampshire, the <a href="http://www.unh.edu/confucius" target="_blank">Confucius Institute</a> a partnership between the University of New Hampshire and Chengdu University in China — honored the season this week with a tea sampling at the UNH-Manchester campus.Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:38:09 +0000Sheryl Rich-Kern24965 at http://nhpr.orgTasting China's Most Expensive TeasHow Chinese Students Are Gaming The US Admissions Processhttp://nhpr.org/post/how-chinese-students-are-gaming-us-admissions-process
<p>The SAT still holds rank as the most popular standardized test used by college admissions offices. &nbsp;In 2005, complaints about the SAT’s limitations led to the addition of an essay portion, a new format designed to be harder to “game.” But one test prep company <em>found a</em> way to trump the SAT and other admission exams, and it’s based...in China. <strong>Daniel Golden </strong>is a Pulitzer-prize winning journalist who covered the firm called “New Oriental” for Bloomberg Businessweek, <a href="http://info.nhpr.org/one-child-one-high-sat-score" target="_blank">we spoke to him in 2011</a>, when<a href="http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/11_20/b4228058558042.htm" target="_blank"> his article</a> was published.</p><p>Tue, 05 Mar 2013 16:19:48 +0000Virginia Prescott23088 at http://nhpr.orgHow Chinese Students Are Gaming The US Admissions Process"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry"http://nhpr.org/post/ai-weiwei-never-sorry
<P><A href="http://aiweiwei.com/" target=_blank>Ai Weiwei</A> is China’s best known artist and the sharpest thorn in the side of its government. He’s a humorous and clever digital dissident, whose installations, viral videos, and tweets mock Chinese censors, and have made him an international symbol for freedom.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</P>
<P>After years of attempting to cozy up to him with bribes and favors, the Chinese government turned on Ai Weiwei, charging him with tax evasion and bulldozing his freshly built studio in Shanghai. Then, on April 3, 2011, he disappeared.</P>
<P>Mon, 25 Feb 2013 14:13:35 +0000Virginia Prescott22565 at http://nhpr.org"Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry"Celebrating China's Spring Festival In New Englandhttp://nhpr.org/post/celebrating-chinas-spring-festival-new-england
<p>This week marks the start of the <a href="http://blogs.transparent.com/chinese/spring-festival/">Spring Festival</a>, or Chinese New Year. This fifteen-day celebration is the longest and most important holiday in China, featuring family reunions, fireworks, traditional meals, red lanterns, and the traditional gift of the Hong Bao, or <a href="http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/festivals/red-envelop.htm">Red Packet</a>.Mon, 11 Feb 2013 16:08:07 +0000Rebecca Lavoie21729 at http://nhpr.orgCelebrating China's Spring Festival In New EnglandImmigration Reform's Affect On Asian-Americanshttp://nhpr.org/post/immigration-reforms-affect-asian-americans
<p>With all the talk of how immigration reform will affect our neighbors to the South, we look at how it might affect immigrants to the United States from the Far East.&nbsp;</p><p>A&nbsp;US&nbsp;based&nbsp;Chinese Journalist even <a href="http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/us/2013-01/30/content_16187677.htm" target="_blank">argues</a> that&nbsp;certain aspects of&nbsp; the reforms might actually be beneficial for Asian immigrants. <strong>Mee Moua</strong>, Executive Director from the Asian American Justice Center joins us to discuss the issue.</p><p>Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:02:25 +0000Virginia Prescott21294 at http://nhpr.orgImmigration Reform's Affect On Asian-AmericansThe China Challengehttp://nhpr.org/post/china-challenge
<p></p><p>As the world’s second largest economy and the largest foreign holder of American debt, China’s future is intertwined with ours -- even as we differ on many issues, such as trade and human rights. These differences made for intense&nbsp;campaign fodder in the Presidential race, with tough talk from candidates about the US-China relationship.&nbsp; Meanwhile, China is undergoing its&nbsp;own change in leadership. Today we look at the complicated relationship between China and the US.</p><p><strong>Guests</strong></p>Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000Brady Carlson16774 at http://nhpr.orgThe China ChallengeThe Anthropology of Asian Foodhttp://nhpr.org/post/anthropology-asian-food
<p></p>Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:53:28 +0000Virginia Prescott15499 at http://nhpr.orgThe Anthropology of Asian FoodChinese Journalist: Bo Xilai Had History Of Bribeshttp://nhpr.org/post/chinese-journalist-bo-xilai-had-history-bribes
China is gripped by a tale of murder, betrayal, flight and intrigue that threatens the stability of the entire nation. At its heart is the death of a 41-year-old British businessman in a hotel room in the city of Chongqing last fall. The scandal has brought down a high-flying Chinese politician, Chongqing's party secretary Bo Xilai, and his wife, with China's state-run media hinting at their corruption and abuse of power.<p>The death of an Englishman overseas has rarely had such fallout.Wed, 18 Apr 2012 13:58:00 +0000Louisa Lim3186 at http://nhpr.orgChinese Journalist: Bo Xilai Had History Of BribesAbuse Claims Follow Mafia Crackdown In Chinese Cityhttp://nhpr.org/post/abuse-claims-follow-mafia-crackdown-chinese-city
The swift downfall of ambitious Chinese politician Bo Xilai exposed a bitter power struggle in the highest echelons of government. Now his victims are telling their stories, exposing a darker side to Bo's signature clampdown on organized crime.<p>Charismatic and outspoken, Bo seemed headed for the country's top leadership body, the Politburo Standing Committee, before he was removed abruptly from his post — as party secretary of the major southern city of Chongqing — earlier this month.<p>Three weeks ago, Zhang Mingyu was kidnapped.Tue, 27 Mar 2012 19:36:00 +0000Louisa Lim2802 at http://nhpr.orgAbuse Claims Follow Mafia Crackdown In Chinese CityWho's selling Iran the gear to spy on its own people?http://nhpr.org/post/whos-selling-iran-gear-spy-its-own-people
<p>An investigative journalist unpacks the contract between a Chinese company and Iran's telecommunications network.</p> Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:05:41 +0000Virginia Prescott2771 at http://nhpr.orgWho's selling Iran the gear to spy on its own people?The Factory Girls of Chinahttp://nhpr.org/post/factory-girls-china
<p>In the wake of the Mike Daisey debacle, we trace the true reporting of one journalist on the young, rural women fueling China's manufacturing boom.</p> Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:22:15 +0000Virginia Prescott2769 at http://nhpr.orgThe Factory Girls of ChinaObama Asks China To Help Halt N. Korean Rockethttp://nhpr.org/post/obama-asks-china-help-halt-n-korean-rocket
President Obama came to South Korea to talk about global nuclear security with world leaders, but found himself trying to build a unified front against North Korea's planned rocket launch next month.<p>Obama and South Korean President Lee Myung-bak strenuously warned North Korea not to go ahead with the launch. In a speech Monday at the summit in Seoul, Obama used some of the toughest language he has ever used addressed to the leaders of North Korea.<p>"And know this: There will be no rewards for provocations," Obama said. "Those days are over.Mon, 26 Mar 2012 17:33:00 +0000Mike Shuster2779 at http://nhpr.orgObama Asks China To Help Halt N. Korean RocketChina Sacks Outspoken Politician As Rumors Swirlhttp://nhpr.org/post/china-sacks-outspoken-politician-rumors-swirl
In a moment of high political drama, China has removed flamboyant politician Bo Xilai from his post as party secretary of the major southern city of Chongqing. The sacking comes as Beijing approaches a once-in-a-decade power transition this fall, offering a glimpse of the Machiavellian political struggle behind the scenes.<p>After weeks of fevered speculation, the end — when it came — was swift and succinct.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 08:00:00 +0000Louisa Lim2525 at http://nhpr.orgChina Sacks Outspoken Politician As Rumors SwirlChina's Giant Pool Of Dollarshttp://nhpr.org/post/chinas-giant-pool-dollars
China's central bank is sitting on a giant pool of U.S. dollars. It's the world's biggest holder of foreign reserves, worth <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2012-03-12/china-to-bring-new-ideas-to-managing-foreign-reserves-1-.html" target="_blank">over $3 trillion</a> at last count.<p>All that money has piled up because every year, China exports more than it imports; it runs a trade surplus.<p>There are lots of reasons for China's trade surplus. In the past few decades, China has built an amazing manufacturing ecosystem.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 04:01:00 +0000David Kestenbaum2526 at http://nhpr.orgChina's Giant Pool Of DollarsLooking For Elephant Ivory? Try Chinahttp://nhpr.org/post/looking-elephant-ivory-try-china
<strong> </strong><p>Armed with tips from animal welfare activists, I recently went on an ivory hunt with my Chinese assistant, Yang, in an antiques market in Beijing.<p>Activists say China's growing purchasing power is driving global demand for products from vulnerable animals, everything from elephant ivory to rhino horn.<p>Two huge stone lions stood sentinel outside the four-story market nestled among a forest of buildings off one of Beijing's beltways. In China, vendors usually accost shoppers and try to lure them into stores.<p>Not here.<p>I was the only foreign face in the market.Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:36:00 +0000Frank Langfitt2245 at http://nhpr.orgLooking For Elephant Ivory? Try ChinaFrom Cellphones To Cigarettes: The Long Arm Of The Chinese Governmenthttp://nhpr.org/post/cellphones-cigarettes-long-arm-chinese-government
The streets of Beijing and Shanghai feel like an entrepreneurial free-for-all, full of mom-and-pop stores and street vendors selling snacks and cheap toys.<p>But when you pull back the curtain, you see a different picture: a country where the government still controls huge swaths of the economy.<p>When you're in China, there's a good chance you're doing business with the government every time you:<p><p><ul><p><li>make a call on your cellphone (the government owns the country's biggest cellphone network)</li><p><li>buy gas for your car (the two biggest oil companies are owned by the governmMon, 27 Feb 2012 20:38:00 +0000David Kestenbaum & Jacob Goldstein2173 at http://nhpr.orgFrom Cellphones To Cigarettes: The Long Arm Of The Chinese GovernmentOn Tibetan Plateau, A Sense Of Constant Surveillancehttp://nhpr.org/post/tibetan-plateau-sense-constant-surveillance
<em>Wednesday marks the traditional Tibetan New Year, but many Tibetans won't be celebrating. They'll be mourning the almost two-dozen people who set themselves on fire in the past year as a protest against Chinese rule. Eyewitnesses say the town of Aba, site of many of the self-immolations, resembles a Chinese military camp, with soldiers and riot police every few feet.Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:28:00 +0000Louisa Lim2085 at http://nhpr.orgOn Tibetan Plateau, A Sense Of Constant SurveillanceProtests, Self-Immolation Signs Of A Desperate Tibethttp://nhpr.org/post/protests-self-immolation-signs-desperate-tibet
In a monastery on the Tibetan plateau, monks swathed in crimson robes chant under silk hangings, in a murky hall heavy with the smell of yak butter. Photos of the exiled Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama — seen by China as a splittist — are openly displayed, as if in defiance.Tue, 21 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000Louisa Lim2023 at http://nhpr.orgProtests, Self-Immolation Signs Of A Desperate TibetFor China's Likely Premier, A Western Influencehttp://nhpr.org/post/chinas-likely-premier-western-influence
<em>Third of three partsWed, 15 Feb 2012 08:00:00 +0000Louisa Lim1893 at http://nhpr.orgFor China's Likely Premier, A Western InfluenceA Pragmatic Princeling Next In Line To Lead Chinahttp://nhpr.org/post/pragmatic-princeling-next-line-lead-china
<em>Second of three parts</em><p>In northwestern China's Shaanxi province, a neatly manicured and landscaped memorial park the size of six soccer fields is one sign of the revolutionary lineage of Xi Jinping, the man set to become China's next leader.<p>Known as a Communist Party princeling, Xi is the 58-year-old son of Xi Zhongxun, a deputy prime minister and revolutionary hero who died in 2002.<p>The elder Xi was born in Fuping county in Shaanxi, more than 600 miles southwest of Beijing, and is considered a hometown hero.<p>On a recent day at the memorial park, a man who gives his name as LiTue, 14 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000Louisa Lim1855 at http://nhpr.orgA Pragmatic Princeling Next In Line To Lead ChinaChina Laces Up Its Chuck Taylorshttp://nhpr.org/post/china-laces-its-chuck-taylors
Stroll along a street in downtown Shanghai for very long, and you're likely to run into someone wearing Converse Chuck Taylor All Stars. One recent afternoon, Xu Jing was heading back from lunch to her job at an ad company in a pair of raspberry-colored Chuck Taylors.<p>"They have a young image, upbeat and outdoorsy, sporty," said Xu, 27, explaining the appeal.Thu, 09 Feb 2012 05:01:00 +0000Frank Langfitt1792 at http://nhpr.orgChina Laces Up Its Chuck Taylors